Recent memory appears to be filled with headlines regarding policies and plans enacted by Sheffield City Council that have proven unsuccessful or unpopular. From the recently removed Container Park on Fargate to the opinion-dividing Clean Air Zone, it would appear controversy is never far away in local politics, especially considering both of those examples have occured since the start of this year.
Here are nine of Sheffield City Council’s most controversial moves ever.
5. World Student Games 1991
When Sheffield hosted the World Student Games in 1991, it cost the council millions. The Star reported in 2021 that after 30 years Sheffield was still paying off the £658million cost of the games, and it would finally be paid off in the 2023-24 financial year. Photo: .
6. Tree-felling scandal
"Dishonest", "deluded" and "damaging". Three words used by Sir Mark Lowcock to describe Sheffield City Council's "sustained failures in leadership" and overstreching of it's authority in his recent report surrounding the tree-felling scandal. Photo: .
7. Kate Josephs Partygate investigation
When millions of Britons were staying at home to protect the NHS, staff and politicians in No.10 Downing Street were found to have been having un-socially distanced gatherings and leaving-dos. It transpired one of those leaving-dos was for the incoming Sheffield City Council CEO Kate Josephs. Ms Josephs went on paid leave as the Council investigated for six months in an attempt to decide whether she would stay or go. In total, the investigation cost Sheffield City Council over £150,500, including £94,627.05 in salary to Ms Josephs whilst she was on leave, and in the end the council opted to keep her. She then committed to donating some of her salary to local charities. Photo: .
8. The National Centre for Popular Music
This museum, which was largely lottery funded, was open for less than 18 months. It was not a popular building due to it's unique appearance and is now the Sheffield Hallam University Students' Union. Photo: .